The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1887-06-21
Elders John B.. Maiben and 4
G. WOOlley Speak.
TESTIMONIES TO THE TRUTH
The Spread Ofthe Gospel; the Gather
ing and Unity OF the People, and
SeIf-Govsrnment Touched Upon

Now let us rejoice in the day Of salvation, etc.
Prayer by Elder q. s. Richards,
Singing Of the hymn beginning,
How sweet communion is on earth.
ELDER JOHN B. MAIBEN occupied the
stand and testified Of the goodness Of
God and the truth of the everlasting
gospel. Peace on earth and good will
to man." was the principle underlying
that gospel, and the honest in heart
had, through it, embraced the gospel Of
salvation. He was witness that the
promises OF the elders to those who had
been baptized had been verified, when
the member had observed the laws and
commandments OF God. The growth of
the Mormon people was satisfactory,
and the peace and plenty which reigned
in their midst demonstrated that God
was with them, and that to bless. II the
principles and ordinances are observed
there will be q growth of knowledge and
power of God. BY walking in the paths
| pointed out by the servants Of God, q
constant renewal of the promises of the
Almighty was realized. The Saints were
increasing in harmony and union, he
was pleased to say. There is nothing OF
an exclusive character in the gospel OF
Jesus. The Saints were enjoined by the
gospel to recognize and honor all men
bearing the holy priesthood, and that
God is the Supreme Lswgiver of the
universe: they we're taught to respect
the rights of all mankind. When God
requires a people to follow 3 certain
line of conduct, and they walk therein,
His arm is made manifest in their be-
half. Since the organization of the
church, there has been no ordeal
through which the Saints have had to
pass, but that after they have emerged
from it, they have not seen the wisdom
Of the Almighty. Those who proved
faithful in the hour of trial have always
been favored of God. twas the duty
Of the Saints to meet every issue calmly
peaceably, Loyalty and earnestly, relying
on God for His aid and grace. There is
silver lining to all dark clouds and
behind them is ever a smiling Provi-
dence. Elder Maiben bore testimony
that God had revealed the fullness Of
the gospel in this age. He urged upon
all not to shrink from duty to God, to
strive for the establishment of truth. 1t
Is true, he said, that the leaders of
Israel, who are ordained of God, have
had to retire for season from public
gaze, but, thank God, they have the
power to write the mind and will of
God to the people. The epistles issued
by them breathed forth conservative
element, and contained nothing which
might be termed disloyal or wrong. The
principles of human rights, those guar
snteed by the Constitution, were the
foundation for the uttersnces in them.
The mission Of the Saints was like unto
that of Jesus-to save and not to
destroy. All that He taught was in this
direction. 1t was incumbent upon all
to observe His teachings and be faith
full, turning neither TO the right hand
nor to the left in the line Of duty.
In the dedicatory prayer at the
Kirkland Temple, Joseph Smith be-
seeched the Lord to be with and bless
the Saints. Then there was but one stake
of Zion; now there are thirty or more
In this Territory aud neighborhood.
After while the Mormons will gradu-
ate and receive their diplomas in the
work Of salvation in which they are en-
gagged.
The temple at Manti was near
Ing completion, he was pleased to state,
though work on it had not been prose-
cuted with that zeal which should
have characterized so grand and worthy
an object When it Is completed it will
be an honor to God and a credit to the
people who have erected it. The Saints
were increasing in their desires to labor
tor eternal and celestial things, and
their work, which was characterized by
love, union and peace, was tending TO
turn the hearts of the fathers to the
children and vice versa. The virtues OF
this people will bear witness to the
world, as they are borne, not only by
elders, but by tourists and strangers
who visit Utah, OF the good they are
doing and that God is on their side.
| Every word OF the prophets concerning
the Saints will be verified, truth will tri-
umph over error, virtue over vice.
In conclusion, he counseled and ad
monished all to treat the stranger well;
observe the laws OF the gospel; be kind
and generous to all who come within
their spheres; to cultivate unity of feel
ing and action, and be prepared to meet
the Savior when He comes.
ELDER E. G. WooLLEY desired the
| Spirit Of the Lord while he spoke. He
realized that an elder was expected to
strengthen the people in their faith, and
all elders should realize this, as they
and the Saints met together for this
purpose. 1t is more than half a century
since the gospel was restored 10 the
earth. through the instrumentality of
Joseph Smith. The Latter-dsy Saints
profess more than any other people on
the earth; they profess to have reVe-
lstion concerning the mind and will Of
God; that they have been elected to es
tsblish the kingdom of God upon the
earth; which is to exist for ever; that
this is a practical, everyday work;
they knew that faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ without works would not accom-
plish the great and mighty work that is
to be accomplished. This being so, the
Saints should realize the duties and re
sponsibilities devolving upon them, and
then join in and assist in the work Of
salvation. The principle of gathering
was cited as an instance that union was
required in order to further Gods pur-
poses on the earth. The elders have
gone abroad, preaching and gathering
people for Utah for about forty years